Dhamma Pakasa: Illinois, Pecatonica

Vipassana is an ancient Indian technique to see what things really are. More than 2500 years ago it was taught as a universal remedy for universal illness. The technique is taught during a ten day residential course where in students learn the basics of the method and practice sufficiently to experience beneficial results.

The course are free of cost and are run on donation basis. Even the donation is accepted after completing the 10 day course. All the expenses of food and accommodation is met through the donations received.

About the Centre

The centre provides a supportive atmosphere where one can live and practice vipassana meditation. It is surrounded by trees, grass and spring fed ponds.Â This technique, discovered by Buddha twenty-five centuries ago, uses the breath and one’s own body as the basis for developing concentration and insight. The courses provide a unique opportunity to direct one’s attention inward, and set about a process of inner discovery through direct experience.

An year old tradition of open house is carried out at dhamma pakasa. The open house is a wonderful time to introduce yourself and others to the campus and learn more about Vipassana Meditation.

Dhamma Pakasa provides a sanctuary for students seeking to enter onto a path of Dhamma or in deepening their personal practice. Virtually every course has a waiting list of applicants indicating that the priceless teachings of the Buddha continue to serve as a beacon of hope for masses of people. In order meet the growing demand of students wanting to attend courses, plans for expansion of Dhamma Pakasa are underway

The first phase of expansion includes the following:

A new Dhamma Hall with a capacity for at least 80 students and 40 individual meditation cells, and residences for Assistant Teachers.
A new 35 person Dormitory
Expansion of the present Dining Hall and Kitchen
A conversion of the present Dhamma Hall into center manager and server residences.
An important requirement for this first phase are necessary upgrades to the campus’ infrastructure; the new septic field system as described above, a fire access road surrounding the perimeter of the new building locations, upgrades to the existing electrical systems; and a firewater protection system along with a new well.